529. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport whether the National Transport Authority intends to review the timetabling of Galway city bus services under the BusConnects Network Redesign and timetable to ensure that early morning services connect with the first rail departures from Ceannt Station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62929/26]

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the implementation of the BusConnects Galway programme. Furthermore, the NTA has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

Pending this detailed response, I note that BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, providing better bus services across Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford. In each city the programme will involve a mix of network redesign, new electric bus fleet, and the provision of segregated bus and cycling facilities to support more efficient journey times for sustainable transport modes. It is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the state and is managed by the NTA.

The redesign of the bus network is one of the key elements of BusConnects Galway, which aims to transform the city’s bus system, making public transport more useful to more people. The new bus network will enable more people to avail of public transport, resulting in increased access to a greater number of schools and workplaces across Galway City, Bearna, and Oranmore. Once this network is implemented, approximately 67% of residents will live within 400 metres of a high frequency bus route with services running every 15 minutes or better.

The NDP Sectoral Investment Plan, which was published by my Department in November last year, has allocated funding to progress BusConnects across the cities. The NTA will publish a more detailed plan later this year of what elements of the programme will be advanced within the funding available up to 2030.